Endovascular and Surgical Management of Intact Splenic Artery Aneurysm

Delayed presentation of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm: A critical outcome of blunt abdominal trauma; A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Blunt abdominal trauma is one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits, and spleen and splenic vasculature is involved variably in those cases. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm formation is one complication with potentially devastating consequences. Early detection and management are of paramount importance given its potential fatality. Management includes open repair with or without splenectomy, and endovascular approach. The minimally invasive endovascular treatment offers earlier recovery, preserved splenic function, and positive outcomes. We report a case of delayed presentation of a large splenic artery pseudoaneurysm after blunt abdominal trauma, managed using endovascular intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 45-year-old male presented 10 days after being involved in a pedestrian accident with blunt abdominal trauma resulting in a large splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. After multidisciplinary discussion, the decision was to take him for endovascular treatment. The patient recovered very well and was discharged two days later and followed up in an outpatient setting. Over a year, he became symptom free, and demonstrated radiological finding of shrinking pseudoaneurysm.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Pseudoaneurysms of visceral arteries are repaired regardless of their size per society of vascular surgery guidelines. Larger ones are at higher risk of rupture and are associated with high mortality. When discovered, treatment plans should be readily discussed, and undertaken. In our case, the patient had a 6.5 cm splenic artery pseudoaneurysm, and a multidisciplinary meeting was conducted and concluded that endovascular treatment would be the best modality to start with, with surgical option as a backup in a hybrid room setting.

CONCLUSION

Blunt abdominal trauma can present with overt symptoms of internal organ injury; however, some might be missed and need high index of suspicion and therefore further testing and imaging. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms can expand and rupture in delayed presentation, early detection and management is of paramount importance. Endovascular treatment represents an excellent modality, with minimal invasive nature, faster recovery, and early return to daily activity with preserved splenic function.

Visceral Aneurysms: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Endovascular Versus Open Repair

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID 348699.

Long-term Outcome Comparison of 2 Techniques for Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to analyze our single-center experience in endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) with transcatheter coil embolization, comparing long-term outcomes of packing and sandwich techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2021, 28 patients with certain diagnosis of non-ruptured asymptomatic SAA were treated with 2 different embolization techniques (packing, n=10, and sandwich, n=18). Early outcomes assessed were technical success, overall mortality, mean hospital stay, post-embolization syndrome rate, and freedom from splenectomy rate. Estimated 5-year outcomes in terms of freedom from sac reperfusion, and freedom from reintervention were evaluated and compared between the 2 different embolization techniques.

RESULTS

The mean SAA diameter was 2.8±0.8 cm. Overall technical success rate was 100%. Intraoperative and 30-day mortality rates were 0 in both groups. One patient in the sandwich group required a postoperative splenectomy. The mean follow-up period was 58.3±44.5 months. Estimated overall 5-year survival was 86.7%. Five-year freedom from sac reperfusion was 100% in the sandwich group, and 85.7% in the packing group, with no difference between the 2 groups (p=0.131), whereas freedom from reintervention was 100% in the sandwich group, and 75% in the packing group with a statistically significant difference (p=0.049; log-rank=3.750).

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization of SAAs seemed to be safe and effective with 100% of technical success rate and good perioperative results. Both sandwich and packing techniques yielded promising results also in the long-term period.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Transcatheter coil embolization of splenic artery aneurysms seems to be a safe and effective procedure with a 100% technical success and satisfactory perioperative outcomes. Sandwich and packing techniques offer good results in the long-term period. Freedom from reintervention seems to be optimal and comparable between the 2 techniques.

Splenic Artery Infectious Aneurysms in Infective Endocarditis - An Observational Study and Comprehensive Literature Review

BACKGROUND

To determine the prevalence, the clinical and radiological features, associated factors, treatment, and outcome of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) in infective endocarditis (IE).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 474 consecutive patients admitted to our institution with definite IE (2005-2020).

RESULTS

Six patients had SAAs (1.3%; 3 women; mean age: 50 years). In all cases, the diagnosis was obtained by abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA). SAAs-IE were solitary and saccular with a mean diameter of 30 mm (range: 10-90 mm). SAAs-IE were intrasplenic (n = 4) or hilar (n = 2). Streptococcus spp. were the predominant organisms (n = 4). In all cases, a left-sided native valve was involved (aortic, n = 3; mitral, n = 2; mitral-aortic, n = 1). SAAs were silent in half patients and were revealed by abdominal pain (n = 2) and by the resurgence of fever after cardiac surgery (n = 1). All patients underwent emergent valve replacement. One patient died within 24 hr from multiorgan failure. For the others, uneventful coil embolization was performed in 4 patients after valve replacement (3 diagnosed early and 1 at 8 weeks). In the remaining patient, SAA-IE diagnosed at abdominal CTA at day 16, with complete resolution under appropriate antibiotherapy alone.

CONCLUSIONS

SAAs-IE are a rare occurrence that may be clinically silent. SAAs-IE can be intrasplenic or hilar in location. Endovascular treatment in this context was safe. According to current guidelines, radiologic screening by abdominal CTA allowed the detection of silent SAAs which could be managed by endovascular treatment to prevent rupture. The delayed formation of these SAAs could justify a CTA control at the end of antibiotherapy.

Selection of endovascular treatment strategies and analysis of the efficacy of different locations and types of splenic artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

To analyze the selection of endovascular treatment strategies and the efficacy of various locations and types of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs).

METHODS

Sixty-three cases of patients diagnosed with SAA from January 2016 to October 2021 were collected, and their clinical data and follow-up results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 63 patients, 55 had true SAAs, and 8 had false SAAs. The average diameter of the true SAAs was 2.0 ± 0.8 cm. There were 10 cases of intra-aneurysm embolization, 24 cases of intra-aneurysm and aneurysm-bearing artery embolization, 10 cases of bare stent-assisted coil embolization, and 11 cases of stent grafts. The false SAAs had an average diameter of 2.3 ± 1.1 cm. Aneurysm-bearing artery embolization was applied in 5 cases, and stent grafts were applied in 3 cases. The incidence of complications after embolization of the aneurysm-bearing artery was higher (P < 0.01). Postembolization syndrome occurred in 10 patients; 7 patients developed splenic infarction to varying degrees, 1 patient had mildly elevated blood amylase, and 1 patient developed splenic necrosis with abscess formation, all of which improved after active treatment. The average length of hospital stay was 5.5 ± 3.2 days. The average follow-up time was 17.2 ± 16.1 months, and the aneurysm cavity of all patients was completely thrombotic.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatments of SAAs are safe and effective. For various locations and types of SAAs, adequate selection of treatment is necessary. Stent grafts are recommended for their safety, economy, practicality, and preservation of the physiological functions of the human body.

Endovascular Stent Graft Placement and Coil Embolization for Splenic Artery Aneurysm with an Anatomical Variant

A 62-year-old woman with abdominal pain was diagnosed with a splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) and an anatomical variant in the splenic artery (SA) arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as its first branch. To treat the SAA, the draining artery and a small branch of the SAA were embolized, and then small-diameter stent grafts were deployed from SMA orifice, covering the aberrant origin of the SA and preserving the second branch of SMA. Intraoperative angiography confirmed successful exclusion of the SAA without endoleak or arterial dissection. The stent graft was patent and the aneurysm had shrunk 3.5 years after the operation.

Endovascular management of incidentally discovered splenic arteriovenous fistula resulting from ruptured splenic aneurysm: Case report and review of the literature

Splenic arteriovenous fistulas (SAVFs) are rare vascular anomalies, which have a described association with splenic artery aneurysms. Treatment options include surgical fistula excision, splenectomy, or percutaneous embolization. Here we present a unique case of endovascular repair of a splenic arteriovenous fistula (SAVFs) associated with a splenic aneurysm. A patient with past medical history of early-stage invasive lobular carcinoma was referred to our interventional radiology practice to discuss an incidentally discovered splenic "vascular malformation" discovered during magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. Arteriography demonstrated smooth dilatation of the splenic artery, with a fusiform aneurysm which had fistulized to the splenic vein. There were high flows and early filling of the portal venous system. The splenic artery, immediately proximal to the aneurysm sac, was catheterized using a microsystem and embolized using coils and N-butyl cyanoacrylate. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm and resolution of the fistulous connection was achieved. The patient was discharged home the following day, without complication. Associated splenic artery aneurysms and SAVFs are rare occurrences. Timely management is necessary to prevent adverse sequelae such as aneurysm rupture, further enlargement of the aneurysmal sac, or portal hypertension. Endovascular treatment, including n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate glue and coils, offers a minimally invasive treatment option, with facile recovery and low morbidity.

Safety and Efficacy of the Double Microcatheter Technique for Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Single-center Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the double microcatheter technique in the treatment of saccular splenic artery aneurysms.

METHODS

From November 2013 to October 2020, 56 patients with saccular splenic artery aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment with the double microcatheter technique at our institution. Technical success was defined as embolization of the aneurysmal cavity with no obstruction of the parent artery. Clinical success was defined as no deaths due to splenic artery aneurysms, and no reintervention, recrudescence or organ dysfunction at 1, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. No major complications related to angiography or embolization were observed. Minor complications included fever, pain, and nausea, and 13 patients developed minor complications. At 1 month, the rate of clinical success was 96.4%. At 6 and 12 months, the clinical success rate was 92.9%. There were no aneurysmal recurrences or necessities of reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization with the double microcatheter technique is a safe and effective modality for treating saccular splenic artery aneurysms and offers a reasonable choice for patients who want to retain their original hemodynamics.

Features of Surgical Treatment of Patients with Splenic Artery Aneurysms (Case Report and Literature Review)

Despite the insigniϐicant prevalence, aneurysms of the splenicartery take a dominant share among all visceral aneurysms with a predominance of morbidity in women of childbearing age. Taking into account the mostly asymptomatic course and the high risk of mortality due to its rupture, timely diagnosis and correct treatment strategy remain extremely important. Questions regarding the choice of surgical treatment tactics for patients with this pathology remain debatable. The aim. Demonstration of a clinical case, improvement of diagnosis andsurgical treatment of patients with splenic artery aneurysms. Clinical case. Female patient G., 32 years old, with complaints of periodic pain in the left hypochondrium, signs of portal hypertension against the background of cavernous transformationof the portal vein, history of recurrent bleeding from the esophageal veins, hypersplenism admitted with a pre-diagnosed aneurysm of the splenic artery of giant dimensions (diameter 8x5 cm). The patient was qualified for open surgery and aneurysm resection with splenectomy and spleen autotransplantation by N. Roth. The postoperative period was complicated by the occurrence of reactive pancreatitis on day 7, which was successfully treated conservatively. In the future, the course was unremarkable. The remote follow-up lasted two years, and no recurrence of the aneurysm was detected. The performed immunogram showed normal results. Conclusion. The timely diagnosis makes it possible to establish the correct diagnosis, justify the treatment tactics and prevent fatal complications. Open surgical intervention in somecases remains the method of choice in the treatment of this pathology. Autotransplantation of the spleen has shown good long-term results and can be performed in patients of this category for the prevention of immunodeficiency states.

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for spleen preservation in laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysm resection: A case report

BACKGROUND

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is a rare vascular lesion conventionally treated by resection or interventional therapy. The surgical procedure usually involves splenectomy, and interventional therapy may cause post-embolization syndromes. Preservation of the spleen and its function is rarely reported during the management of SAA.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a patient with an asymptomatic SAA (3.5 cm in diameter), which was en-bloc resected laparoscopically using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to preserve the spleen and its function.

CONCLUSION

ICG fluorescence imaging for spleen preservation in laparoscopic SAA resection is safe and may be beneficial in avoiding splenectomy and maintaining splenic function.

Single-Center Experience With Endovascular Treatment for Splenic Artery Aneurysms in Long-Term Follow-Up: A Retrospective Study

Objectives

To reveal a single-center experience with endovascular treatment for splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) and analyze the safety and efficacy of the operation in the long-term follow-up.

Materials and Methods

A total of 49 patients with SAAs (21 men, 28 women; mean age, 52.4 ± 11.5 years) were enrolled in this study from July 2010 to December 2020. Baseline and characteristics of SAAs were collected. Parent artery coil embolization or combined with sac coil embolization of SAAs, graft-stent implantation, or bare-stent-assisted coil embolization were performed for the treatment of SAAs. Adverse events and follow-up data were recorded.

Results

The average diameter of SAAs was 3.3 ± 2.5 cm (range, 1.0–13.6 cm). An individual-tailed modality was conducted for three patients. A 100% technical success rate was achieved. No re-intervention procedure was performed in all patients. No major treatment-related adverse events were observed, and no expansion or rupture of SAAs occurred in the average follow-up period of 57.9 ± 27.3 months (19–125 months).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment of SAA, including the individual-tailed therapy for three cases, is safe, effective, and minimally invasive with high technical success rates and satisfactory outcomes during the long-term follow-up period.

Multiple Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Multiple splenic artery aneurysms (MSAAs) are rare and there are few reports about their treatment. We herein present a rare case of MSAAs treated with splenectomy combined with endovascular embolization.

Methods: A 51-year-old female patient was incidentally diagnosed with MSAAs. Splenectomy combined with endovascular embolization was the chosen treatment.

Outcomes: The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the hospital 5 days after splenectomy. The patient has been doing well during the 27-months of follow-up.

Conclusion: Combined with the experience of the previous literature, we think splenectomy combined with endovascular embolization is a safe, reliable and minimally invasive treatment for some selected multiple SAAs, depending on several patient parameters, such as the age, sex, aneurysm dimension, aneurysm location, complications, and severity of the clinical findings.

Laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysmectomy with ICG guided partial splenectomy: alternative approach

We herein report the case of a voluminous splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) diagnosed in a 48 year-old Caucasian male patient. After endovascular treatment failure, considering the volumetric aneurysm increase and recurrent symptoms, a laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysmectomy with partial splenectomy guided by indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) was performed. This conservative strategy leads to save a spleen volume of about 10 cm³ to avoid postsplenectomy thrombocytosis and infections, potential immunodeficiency and overwhelming postsplenectomy infection syndrome (OPSS) and to preserve pancreatic vascularization preventing distal pancreas injuries.

Giant splenic artery aneurysm treated surgically with spleen and pancreas preservation

Aneurysms of the splenic artery represent a rare clinical entity, even though they account for 60-70% of all visceral artery aneurysms. Splenic artery aneurysms larger than 5 cm are extremely rare, and they are considered to be giant. Possible causes of splenic artery aneurysm development include: trauma, hormonal and local hemodynamic changes in pregnancy, portal hypertension, arterial degeneration, infection and postsplenectomy occurrence. Surgical treatment of giant splenic artery aneurysms includes procedures that frequently require pancreatectomy and splenectomy. We present a case of a 10.2 cm giant splenic artery aneurysm, firmly adhered to the pancreas, which was treated surgically, with spleen and pancreas preservation. SIMILAR CASES PUBLISHED: Although many cases on treatment of giant splenic artery aneurysm have been published, the majority have described additional visceral resections associated with aneurysmectomy, which is in contrast with our report. Furthermore, aneurysms reaching 10 cm in size were extremely rare.

Laparoscopic Resection of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm with Vascular Reconstruction During Pregnancy

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are more frequent in women and have a high rupture risk during pregnancy, with catastrophic outcomes. It is advisable to treat these aneurysms in pregnant and fertile women, whatever their diameter, given their increased risk for rupture. There are several therapeutic approaches: endovascular surgery using coil embolization or stent graft coverage; laparoscopic or open surgical resection with arterial reconstruction and ligation followed by splenectomy when necessary. This paper aims to report the successful treatment of SAA in second-trimester pregnant women using a laparoscopic approach with aneurysm resection and arterial reconstruction. This is a unique report of a minimally invasive approach with arterial reconstruction in a pregnant woman, thus reducing the risk of spleen infarction and potentially avoiding splenectomy.

Decision-making and therapeutic options in intact splenic artery aneurysms: single-center experience and literature review

BACKGROUND

Splenic artery aneurysms are rare, potentially serious, and usually asymptomatic. Several methods are currently available to treat them, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, its therapeutic paradigm has changed.

METHODS

We review our database of splenic aneurysms (2009-2019) and undertake an exhaustive literature review. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, early and follow-up outcome data were examined. Our experience comprised: 15 patients with 19 splenic aneurysms. 11 women (average age, 59.4 years) and 4 men (average age, 61.7 years). All asymptomatic.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, aneurysms had a mean cross-sectional diameter of 3.4 cm (3.2 and 3.9 for women and men, respectively), the largest measuring 8.5 cm. Two independent aneurysms were detected in four patients. Diagnoses were always incidental to a CT scan. Treatments consisted of open surgery (2 patients), endovascular surgery (10 patients: 7 embolizations, 3 covered stent) and observation/follow-up (3 patients). The cases of open surgery (with splenectomy) were carried out without postoperative morbidity. One embolization failed (requiring subsequent open surgery) and two suffered localized splenic infarction, but without further complications. In patients treated with a covered stent, the aneurysm was always excluded, without complications. There was no 30-day or follow-up (average 26.2 months) mortality. Splenic aneurysms are diagnosed more frequently and earlier (in the asymptomatic phase), albeit incidentally, than in the past.

CONCLUSIONS

The correct indication (identifying patients at risk) and individualization of treatment, in which endovascular techniques are the first-line option, have significantly improved morbidity and mortality outcomes in our hospital.